I teetered between rating this a 2 and 3 because while I genuinely feel the actor's feelings, this memoir didn't speak to me in any significant way. MI teetered between rating this a 2 and 3 because while I genuinely feel the actor's feelings, this memoir didn't speak to me in any significant way. Maybe take what I say with a grain of salt because I don't normally listen or love listening to audiobooks but it seemed necessary to listen to his own story in McConaughey's legendary voice, accent and intonations. I never felt like he took himself that seriously throughout the book (in a good way) even though he was spewing out life lessons, morals, self-help advice, [literally!] bumper sticker slogans, "prescriptions" for life...all of it was very cringy to me even if it seemed very on-brand for the actor. Sometimes, it almost felt like he was a politician trying to show how he's in with everyone - the Africans, the natives, low class, high class, black, white, and everything in between. While it all seems genuine and he does seem genuinely nice, I didn't think he was helping anyone out with all his BS (at least, not me, one reader..). His voice IS soothing, I will say that...but a bit jarring when he tries to do accents of people he knows in between - the African one was like...unflattering, at best. This type of memoir - the look at my success and I'll tell you all my 'secrets' to get there through "relatable to the masses" stories - (similar to Brandi Carlisle's) - is not my cup of tea, but it could be yours if you are a 1. a SUPER FAN 2. can extrapolate and parse out advice from someone who is a multi-millionaire success story and apply what you can to your probably not multi-millionaire lifestyle 3. who loves a good Southern accent and wants to be lulled by it. ...more
This was a mixed bag which is how I view Sarah Silverman as a comedian. I am very underwhelmed by her performances, and after reading her book, my opiThis was a mixed bag which is how I view Sarah Silverman as a comedian. I am very underwhelmed by her performances, and after reading her book, my opinion hasn't changed much.
She has several funny lines, but overall, there wasn't enough substance (including both humor & autobiographical experience). Her bouts with adult bedwetting and depression were the most interesting parts of the book because it felt personal and sincere. I wish she had gone that far with the other parts of her autobiography. At times, I felt like she was whiny, epecially when trying to defend herself against her critics. She's trying to prove she's a smart, clever comedian, but she should let her work speak for itself.
The style of the book was also erratic. With this formatting, the timeline of events was confusing. It suits her personality though, so I can understand where she was coming from.
Overall, if you are a really big fan of Silverman, then I would recommend this book. However, if you're looking for a funny or poignant read, I would skip this. ...more
This was not as good as I expected. I thought the premise was interesting. A boy around my age suffers from multiple strokes, and his struggle with thThis was not as good as I expected. I thought the premise was interesting. A boy around my age suffers from multiple strokes, and his struggle with the debilitating symptoms of brain hemorrhaging is chronicled. Because his life is drastically changed, he turns to drugs and alcohol to get through the ordeal. He also goes through a personality change, becoming aggressive toward his family and friends.
The premise is not what I had a problem with. It was the erratic writing. In some parts, he tries to be poetic while in other parts, he tries to be colloquial. It was hard to follow, and it didn't capture the emotions of the story. ...more
"Cleaving", Julie Powell's sophomore effort, is completely disappointing. In Julie and Julia, even if you couldn't relate to Julie, you were rooting f"Cleaving", Julie Powell's sophomore effort, is completely disappointing. In Julie and Julia, even if you couldn't relate to Julie, you were rooting for her. She had a goal, and you were excited for her to attain that seemingly impossible goal. "Cleaving" had no goal, yet featured the same whiny protagonist. On top of this, there was never any clear reason why Julie ventured into the butchery business in the first place. I'm not even sure she knew why - maybe she needed writing material? And, the interspersed marriage/affair sections didn't flow cohesively with the cleaving parts of the story.
Suffice to say, I'm not even sure why I chose to read this book. I'm not at all interested in cleaving, and I had actually had to skip some of the disgusting butchery scenes. (Ironically, this book produced the same reactions as "Eating Animals"; as in, I'm sticking to vegetarianism). Finally, there was no developing story - and worse, no closure.
Usually I don't think books are a waste of time even if they're boring. Usually there are always some redeeming qualities (i.e thought-provoking storyline, deep characters, maybe some interesting facts?), but this memoir was a complete failure. ...more
I'm not sure what to think of this memoir, written by the author of "Eat, Pray, Love." In one regard, Gilbert has an easy way with words. Her writing I'm not sure what to think of this memoir, written by the author of "Eat, Pray, Love." In one regard, Gilbert has an easy way with words. Her writing is conversational and personal, which makes you feel very included in the discussion. She also is adept at mixing history and HER-story (ha ha ha Gilbert, you're not the only one who can make corny jokes...)
However, I can't detect if there's any truth in her representation of the history of marriage, or is it just random facts she's picked up without any formal literature review? When she opens the memoir with facts about how marriage has evolved over time, she claims 'South Indian brothers share the same bride', yet this is so untrue (...it may be true in ONE particular small sect, but to generalize it as a South Indian tradition without any further explanations is ignorant and inaccurate). Everything that followed made me skeptical about the stats and factual information.
Another criticism is her condescending attitude, which comes out during her so called 'keen' observations. For example, while she thinks she's being open-minded, so LIBERAL!, and non-judgmental, her description of her Laos driver's 'poor' hut was unbelievably patronizing. She thinks she's so worldly because she's traveled everywhere, but her attitude is that of a privileged American: "Look at that cute, oh-so-delightful little straw hut! How precious!"
I gave it three stars: it's interesting to read about Gilbert's perspective, but I wouldn't take her discourse as the last word on the institution of marriage. ...more
This was a fascinating memoir of a troubled, depressive girl who voluntarily institutionalizes herself at McClean Hospital. The writing is erratic, whThis was a fascinating memoir of a troubled, depressive girl who voluntarily institutionalizes herself at McClean Hospital. The writing is erratic, which reflects her personality at the time she was at the hospital. I thought the stories could have gone more in-depth so we could see her inner struggle. In each vignette, it almost gets there, but the story falls flat. For a memoir, it wasn't as intimate as I thought it would be. For once, I thought the movie was more entertaining; however, the movie is highly exaggerated and sensationalized. Kaysen's memoir is a more realistic portrayal of being a young girl, lost and confused. She is trying to find her way not only as a woman during a tumultuous time period (the '60s), but also as a patient among other girls who are very mentally-ill. It's not a bad book to read, but it's not great either. ...more
This was the continuation of Marji's story in her teen/adult years. This time, she leaves warring Iran to study abroad in Vienna, where she loses her This was the continuation of Marji's story in her teen/adult years. This time, she leaves warring Iran to study abroad in Vienna, where she loses her identity and faces racism. She returns to Iran hoping to find the answer, but she gets lost again. She is too modern for Iran, but is looked down upon in Europe. I wish there was a little more closure at the end. This is a minor criticism, but overall, this graphic novel was rich with history, politics, and romance. This was the most original memoir I've ever read. I wish the story continued because I would love to see what is in store for her. ...more
My first graphic novel and what a great one to start with. This was an interesting way to present a memoir - about a modern family who exists in a worMy first graphic novel and what a great one to start with. This was an interesting way to present a memoir - about a modern family who exists in a world of fundamentalists. The novel dispels the notion that all Iranians are extremists and that we shouldn't stereotype Muslims. It's sad to see this girl's childhood robbed from her amidst turmoil and chaos, and all for what? oil? power? greed? These comic strips are so powerful that it's definitely worth the read. It'll take you one day to get through the book.
I'm excited to read part two and see what happens to Marji. ...more
Julie and Julia was...a little raunchy, sometimes disturbing (most cringe-worthy dish that I had nightmares about after reading: cutting into a live lJulie and Julia was...a little raunchy, sometimes disturbing (most cringe-worthy dish that I had nightmares about after reading: cutting into a live lobster...ewwww), and often times, flat-out funny. Despite being a vegetarian (and now, with even more conviction of sticking to a veg diet after reading her not-so-delicious tales of cooking animals...), I found this book to be more than just reading about how she prepared Julia Child dishes, but also about life and getting out of a funk. It's difficult sticking to a goal, but it was inspiring to see someone who has lots of flaws (...breakdown, much?) and anxiety to undertake such a grand project. I'm not sure I could ever be friends with her or her weird friends (though, I DO love Buffy, so we would have something in common), but her story was inspirational and deliciously fun to read. ...more
This collection of short stories/anecdotes from comedians, producers, and writers of the Second City theater was not interesting, but maybe I went intThis collection of short stories/anecdotes from comedians, producers, and writers of the Second City theater was not interesting, but maybe I went into this thinking the book would include funny stories and juicy information. However, I felt like you had to be part of their community to understand all the stories. I also did not like the set-up of the book and the way they presented the little anecdotes. I did enjoy the pictures of a young Steve Carrell, Nia Vardalos, and many other comedians. I have a lot of respect for the theater group because it spawned so many of the comedians we see today. ...more
I gave this Russell Brand memoir one-star not because of the obscene and raunchy scenarios (I'm not a prude!), but because it was boring! He whines anI gave this Russell Brand memoir one-star not because of the obscene and raunchy scenarios (I'm not a prude!), but because it was boring! He whines and bemoans about the struggle to become famous, but the whole time, he is presented with so many opportunities - he screws it up on his own accord (life of a junkie, I suppose...). Some of the scenes seem so preposterous - i.e his father taking him to Hong Kong for hookers. I just didn't know how much to believe.
He's actually a good writer (better than a lot of celebrity "writers" out there now), but he makes a lot of English references, so perhaps, this is written for a different audience. He tries to put footnotes for all the jokes that refer to something British so everyone can be in on the joke. But once you read the footnote, then go back to read the joke, it's just not that funny anymore. I actually wanted to read this memoir because I thought he would talk about his time with Judd Apatow and gang, filming Forgetting Sarah Marshall and his stints on the MTV VMAs - perhaps dishing out celebrity dirt; however, this book was about his life prior to his work in cinema. I believe he's coming out with book #2, probably about his film and hosting gigs, but I just couldn't get into this book, so I probably won't read the next one. ...more
Lisa Lampanelli, the Lovable Queen of Mean, brings the laughs in this memoir. Known for her roasts, LL is bitingly mean, wicked raunchy and outrageousLisa Lampanelli, the Lovable Queen of Mean, brings the laughs in this memoir. Known for her roasts, LL is bitingly mean, wicked raunchy and outrageous - kind of like Chelsea Handler on steroids. Similar to Chelsea, LL's book reads more like a stand-up routine, which is great because I'm not familiar with her work.
On the downside, the book lacks structure and at times, substance, plus the black jokes get old by the end. Her jokes in the epilogue were a little too stereotypical, you just feel like most comics have been there, done that joke; however, her dating stories and her stints in rehab are hilarious and make the book a worthwhile read!...more
This was a great book - very funny, but had some touching, sad moments. Kathy Griffin is biting and very original. Plus, I love me some celebrity dirtThis was a great book - very funny, but had some touching, sad moments. Kathy Griffin is biting and very original. Plus, I love me some celebrity dirt! This wasn't as funny as Chelsea Handler, but it's a memoir, not her stand-up routine, so you can't compare the two. What I love the most is that she's funny from beginning to end, literally. From the prologue, the reading discussion questions, to the index, she's hilarious. ...more
I read this book in a day because it was such a funny, entertaining read. Chelsea is raunchy and hilarious, detailing all her one-night stands from a I read this book in a day because it was such a funny, entertaining read. Chelsea is raunchy and hilarious, detailing all her one-night stands from a midget to a dumb Vegas stripper. Sometimes, it's not believable that this is her true life, the stories remind me of her stand-up routine, but she's amusing, so it's worth the read! ...more
This was a fun book about one author's attempt to walk the entire 2,000+ mile Appalachian Trail (AT) from Georgia to Maine. His story was amusing as hThis was a fun book about one author's attempt to walk the entire 2,000+ mile Appalachian Trail (AT) from Georgia to Maine. His story was amusing as he describes his insecurities and fears while embarking on his first major hiking expedition. He brings along his crass friend, and together, they have a hilarious adventure. While describing the sights around him, the author sheds light on the history of the AT, environmental impacts and the consequences of human interference in nature. The best moments are his naivity and horror when he describes the dangers of the trail (i.e bears! hypothermia! murderers! oh my!).
However, I have to agree with some of the readers on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ that Bryson can be condescending and at times, comes across super-intelligent (i.e many of the characters he meets on the trail are sincerely trying to help him, but he somehow finds a fault with them and winds up patronizing them). Maybe I took it too seriously, but I think this diminishes the wit and humor that he is trying to convey. By being bias and superior, he doesn't seem very credible, especially when describing the neutral parts of the book - the history and environmental effects of the AT.
Overall, if you are interested in nature, hiking, adventure, and dry humor, this book is for you! ...more
I read this book a while ago, but I came across this while looking at reviews of the White Tiger. This is a true story of an Australian's journey intoI read this book a while ago, but I came across this while looking at reviews of the White Tiger. This is a true story of an Australian's journey into the underprivileged parts of India. White Tiger and Holy Cow tread on similar grounds - showing how poverty emanates throughout India. However, the way White Tiger portrays India is with compassion and wit. MacDonald is just cruel and stereotypical of a privileged tourist. Maybe I am bias because I see this novel written in the white man's eyes looking down on the way of life in India. However, I think there could be better ways in showing her "spiritual" journey. No wonder I forgot to add this to my goodreads list, I blocked it out! ...more
This memoir about life as a waitress was not as exciting as I would have imagined. I'm not sure why Debra Ginsberg's story warranted a memoir as her lThis memoir about life as a waitress was not as exciting as I would have imagined. I'm not sure why Debra Ginsberg's story warranted a memoir as her life is pretty ordinary. Maybe I'm not the right audience for this type of book, seeing that I've never waitressed before, but a good memoir should make people feel like they are part of the narrative, keeping readers involved and interested. Also, there was something off about her writing - she's not a bad writer, but her writing almost reads like a personal statement as part of a school application. A positive aspect of the book is that after years of being an under-appreciated waitress to many ungrateful people, she never becomes a cynic. In fact, though she discusses her fair share of horrible customers, she always maintains a certain level of optimism, and I appreciate that.
I'm not sure I would recommend this to anyone, but maybe if you have been a server or are currently a waitress, you could relate to many parts of this story. ...more
This was an amazing book! Goodwin is a gifted historian, and in this memoir, she tells us stories of her childhood. In this compelling story, the authThis was an amazing book! Goodwin is a gifted historian, and in this memoir, she tells us stories of her childhood. In this compelling story, the author describes her love for baseball mixed with the history of the late 40's and 50's. It's humorous, dramatic, endearing, and fun! I recommend this to everyone! ...more
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